In Deathmatch, achieving a kill is not just about gaining a simple victory point.
Even though fallen players will resurrect eventually, that’s a future concern.
The immediate problem is the resultant manpower gap.
If an ally dies, you need to buy time until they rejoin.
The most common and effective method in such a situation is, predictably, retreat.
Even if you manage to achieve numerical superiority, careless fighting often leads to tragedy.
The opponent can’t recklessly chase you either.
During pursuit, their positioning might collapse, or they might face unexpected ambushes. Securing new vision and expanding safe zones is essential.
In other words, a kill in Deathmatch signifies territorial expansion.
It allows your allies to utilize space more freely from a wider angle.
If you’re operating a long-range damage dealer, it’s a benefit you can’t overlook.
“Corsair, disengage at 3 o’clock. Ga-wol, are you ready to respond?”
“Already on the move.”
“I’ll take care of it. Warrior, Swordsman, 5 o’clock. A Fighter-class has moved to the front. Looks like they want to engage in a straight-up power struggle.”
“Let’s accept the challenge. I’m confident with Eun-chae.”
“Eagle Eye cooldown at 7 seconds. I’ll use it as soon as the fight starts.”
“Summoning Guardian is ready!”
In the midst of Outro’s unilateral firepower projection.
Corsair attempted another wave-dodging escape.
It was an unavoidable judgment.
For the main force to fight properly, Gunslinger’s firepower support is essential.
But the ACL combination lacks characters specialized in guards for chaotic battles.
There’s no means to protect the Gunslinger from Sigma’s Musket-tier attacks.
What’s more, being cornered near the respawn zone made creating distance impossible.
Gunslinger is a class designed for flexible Musket-tier usage.
With a variety of firearm types and relatively solid performance in melee battles, they tend to underperform in “long-range engagements.”
There are two challenges to overcome here: pressuring Outro and taking down Ga-wol.
But how?
ACL employed its last desperate measure.
[ACL Igor has gained the ‘Frenzy: Valhalla’ effect.]
[The Warrior cannot regenerate HP. All defenses are set to 0 and will take fixed 0.8% damage per second.]
[In exchange, 75% of the lost defense is converted to attack power. 10% of inflicted damage generates a shield…]
Explosive combat power, at the cost of the Warrior’s life!
If winning this battle is impossible, they’ll leave scars on both sides and divide the battlefield again.
Even if it means sacrificing kill points, they intend to reset the disadvantageous scenario.
The frenzied warrior charged toward Luche.
Even a Knight class might struggle to withstand these attacks.
The force behind each swing of the battle axe was extraordinary, making the guard gauge rapidly decrease.
Outro’s support fire began to cover, but it wasn’t enough.
This gap was exploited by Dong-hae, who attempted—though did not fully achieve—a breakthrough.
[Strength can uproot mountains and cover the world—]
[‘Forceful Valor’ effect acquired.]
[While consuming all HP, receives fixed damage and all stats are…]
Desperate gambits of burning HP were not exclusive to the Warrior.
As the Guard broke, a Samurai and Paladin swapped positions.
The Warrior’s path was blocked by Camellia.
A ferociously howling spear clashed with the axe.
Though Camellia was inferior in strength and raw damage, her spear compensated with range.
Moreover, thanks to the Samurai’s unique parries, the counterattacks were successfully triggered.
Camellia’s physical prowess was acknowledged even by Ga-wol.
The Warrior’s attacks were swift and powerful but straightforward.
An elite Samurai would find no issue countering them.
In the exact moment the ferocious spear met the axe blade once more.
Luche, her shield glowing, charged toward Dong-hae.
Their dual swords pierced through each other’s will.
Eventually, when the heat of the team battle rose, a morale-sapping kill log appeared.
[‘Sigma Ga-wol’ has eliminated ‘ACL JollyRoger’.]
In sidefights, there’s no defeating Sigma.
Truthfully, even stalling is difficult.
IKL’s principles were reaffirmed as ACL crossed a point-of-no-return in the first round.
[‘Sigma Camellia’ has eliminated ‘ACL Igor’.]
[‘ACL Mamba’ has eliminated ‘Sigma Camellia’.]
[‘Sigma Outro’ has…]
[Author: SigmaFanboy]
[Title: Match 38 vsGa-wol Highlights]
(Attached Video: Execution of the Priest)
(Attached Video: Jolly Roger’s Feint Fishing)
(Attached Video: Dong-hae’s Ambush)
(Attached Video: Solo Elimination of Jolly Roger)
What happens when you receive the Divine Blessing?
Even Corsair’s wave-dodging can’t keep up.
Was there something wrong with how we used this assassin?
[Comments]
– How do you casually walk through the enemy lines like your living room? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– Really, thanks for showing up for our team!
[Author: Noname (810.125)]
[Title: Still Hype on Ga-wol, Aren’t You Kids?]
(Attached Photo: Jolly Roger, expression of despair)
(Attached Photo: Annoyed frog holding a sword and chasing)
Come on man…
[Comments]
– Do you really believe that?
– Youngest one, you’ve been scammed again!
[Author: Noname (514.21)]
[Title: Reevaluation Urgently Needed. GOAT Status]
(Attached Photo: Holy, thumb-up picture from peak era)
This player lasted longer.
[Comments]
– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– She’s a European league champion!
– Seriously, is the European Inquisitor the strongest? Don’t make me laugh!
After a game, a ten-minute break is provided.
This is the time to use the restroom or quench thirst.
Dong-hae splashed cold water on his face.
“Phew…”
The cold refresh brought some clarity to his mind.
Pro-level matches consume an immense amount of concentration, especially difficult games like this one, and even more so following a crushing defeat.
It was a ruthless loss.
He had boldly proclaimed that his Swordsman would be effective, but ended up losing in his most confident battlefield.
Even reviewing the match content didn’t offer much hope.
It wasn’t about being drawn into the opponent’s gambits or losing to a counterattack.
A pure defeat by skill and class disparity.
At this point, even with ten mouths, he’d have nothing to argue.
By now, somewhere, people must be dissecting and criticizing him harshly.
He should avoid the community for a while.
“Anyway, I knew this.”
How could he not know this would be a tough battle?
He suspected this outcome from the start.
Even during the Spring season, Sigma had proven to be a formidable team, and that hadn’t changed.
Dong-hai gazed into his reflection in the mirror.
The glint of combat spirit—fortunately, it was still alive.
The wall was much higher than anticipated.
But a Pro Gamer who succumbs to tall walls never climbs high.
Fortunately, Dong-hae was qualified in this aspect.
Recently, he had a new goal.
He wanted to face Ga-wol’s sword.
A sword that seemed of a different caliber, unbound by system adjustments.
Even for a brief moment, he yearned for a direct confrontation.
*
《Truly… Sigma’s perseverance recently has been nothing short of astonishing.》
《Indeed, there were various rumors, weren’t there? Sigma might not be as dominant as expected before the league. Maybe they’re beatable!》
《It seems the discussions arose because ACL’s performances surpassed expectations.》
《But the previous first set… was a cold douse of water, wasn’t it? How was that sweet dream for you, ACL?》
《Of course, the game isn’t over yet. ACL won’t keep taking it lying down.》
The break between games has ended.
The camera pans back to the arena, and the commentators’ voices resume.
A quick shot of the player waiting room reveals a complex exchange of opinions within ACL.
In stark contrast, Sigma exudes calm confidence.
Even Coach is deeply engaged in strategy talks, while Da-eun enjoys an ice cream.
It seems her tongue flickered behind the vanilla soft-serve cone.
《Hahaha. That’s really representative of player Ga-wol, isn’t it?》
《Certainly, it’s her debut season, but she exudes the calm of a veteran. That’s impressive for a game where even 1~2-year players might feel the tension.》
《The composed nature of someone who has experience already. That’s probably why she can infiltrate enemy lines, right?》
《Yes. Assassins need composure. Some call it the courage to be hated, don’t they?》
A trace of white cream rests on Da-eun’s cheek from the ice cream.
Camellia notices and blinks in surprise before pulling out a tissue to gently wipe it off.
The camera captures her thoughtful action.
After the scene shifts, players re-enter their consoles.
The second set will start soon.
《Alright, let’s check the battlefield and rules.》
The commentators’ monitors reveal information slightly faster than the audience’s.
Ho-eun suppresses a rising smile, showing her seasoned experience.
Some, however, don’t need to hold back.
The audience erupts earnestly.
“Waahh!”
《Here it is! This is the rule Ga-wol’s fans have been waiting for!》
《The battlefield is the Cradle of Nets. The rule is a 4-player Champion Rotation!》
《The current one-on-one champion faces the challenger!》
